“What a lot of people don’t realize is this job is so big,” Wright said. “It's huge. You’re dealing with a lot of things that most people just aren’t privy to.”

During Wright’s time as coach, Hickman had an overall record of 24-26. Last fall it was 6-4.

Wright said the decision was a tough one that he put a lot of thought into, and he hopes the program will benefit from a replacement coach.

“I feel like I wasn’t doing the program any good, so there needed to be change,” he said.

Athletic Director Doug Mirts said Wright was always upfront and loyal and that he has been a good friend.

“We’ve appreciated everything he’s done for us throughout all the years,” he said.

Mirts also said he knew how difficult it was for Wright to resign.

“Jason was very hardworking and a loyal coach at Hickman High School,” Mirts said. “It was a difficult decision for him to make. You know, it’s a balance between family and your teaching position and coaching, and at some point he had to make a decision that something had to give.”

As far as the players are concerned, Wright said he only hopes for the best in the future.

“I wish them well,” he said. “I like the football team that’s coming back. You’ve got two all-state players, you’ve got a talented freshman class, an all-state wrestler — you’ve got some guys to build on.”

The search process for a new coach will begin Wednesday, and Mirts said he also is hoping for the best.

“Hickman has had change before and everything will move on hopefully very smoothly,” Mirts said. “It’s hard to say without knowing who’s taking over."